Gradual permanent coloring of hair using dye intermediates dissolved in alkaline water with a gelling agent

ABSTRACT

A method for permanently dyeing hair which comprises subjecting said hair to a number of treatments, having a set time interval between each two consecutive such treatments, wherein each treatment comprises steps a.) and b.) below: 
     a.) contacting said hair, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes with a recently made mixture of: 
     part ai: dye intermediates in water with a gelling agent at alkaline pH part aii an oxidizing compound such as hydrogen peroxide in water at acidic pH; 
     b.) rinsing said mixture from said hair with water; 
     and wherein said number of treatments is between about 2 to about 30; and wherein said set time interval between each two consecutive treatments is between about 8 hours and 30 days.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for the permanent coloring ofhair with minimized hair damage.

Most hair coloring products fall under three major groupings:

1. Temporary hair color.

2. Semi permanent hair color.

3. Permanent hair color.

Temporary hair color is a leave on product that causes minimal damage tothe hair. However, temporary hair color causes stains, and leaches outunder rain or with perspiration. Temporary hair color washes out withthe next shampoo. Temporary hair color also does not give any control tothe consumer over the amount of color deposited or the permanency of thecolor supplied. Temporary hair color does not result in a wide varietyof colors and it has only a limited appeal.

Semi-permanent hair color comes as a rinse, and it causes minimal damageto the hair. However, semi-permanent hair color washes out to somedegree with each shampoo and washes out completely within about 4 to 6shampoos. Semi permanent hair color does not give the consumer anycontrol regarding the amount of color deposited or the permanency of thecolor. Semi-permanent hair color has limited popularity with consumers.

Permanent hair color generally comes in two parts: a dye solution and adeveloper solution. Because of the damaging nature of conventionalpermanent dye or coloring treatments, most home coloring products comewith a post treatment conditioner. In a permanent hair coloringtreatment, the dye solution and the developer solution are mixed andthen applied to the hair, which is then left for about 25 to about 35minutes. The hair is then rinsed with water, treated with a posttreatment conditioner, and then rinsed again with water.

Hair coloring products need to be applied every four to six weeks sincehair grows out of the scalp at the rate of approximately one half inchper month. Each coloring application causes damage to the hair, and thatdamage is cumulative. Hair touch ups after the initial treatment may beneeded, but these hair touch ups would also damage hair more, and sothey may have to be avoided.

It would be desirable to develop a method for permanently coloring hairthat minimizes the damage caused to hair by the coloring process. Thepresent invention provides such a method.

Conventional hair coloring products cannot be used safely in the shower.It is an object of this invention to develop a method for permanentlycoloring hair, which can be carried out safely in the shower, forexample. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method forpermanently coloring hair wherein the user has control of the amount ofdurable color deposited without hair damage. It is also an object of theinvention to provide a method for permanently coloring hair wherein theuser can employ the hair coloring product as her daily or frequent haircare product to avoid new out growth of uncolored hair. It is also anobject of the invention to provide a method for permanently coloringhair wherein said method involves less mess and difficulty thanconventional permanent hair coloring methods. It is also an object ofthe invention to provide a method for permanently coloring hair whereinsaid method brings about gradual color changes with each application.Since gradual color changes are to occur, such a method would bevirtually mistake free because the consumer could stop or alter thecoloring method if she did not like the course the hair coloring wastaking. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method forpermanently coloring hair wherein the amount of hair coloringcomposition employed can be varied from application to application inorder to adjust the hair coloring results.

These and other aspects of this invention will become evident by adetailed description of the invention given below.

Patents and patent applications related to the field of this inventionare as follows:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,021 which discloses a process in which human hair isdyed in successive treatments at selected intervals with oxidationcolors (aromatic primary amines and amino phenols) admixed in eachtreatment with an oxidizing agent (H₂O₂ or a derivative thereof)—thequantity of oxidation colorant applied in each treatment beingsubstantially the same and the quantity of oxidizing agent beingincreased from the first to the last treatment to effect a gradualincrease in depth of shade—the mixture being allowed to remain on thehair for substantially the same time in each treatment, followed byremoval by rinsing.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,404 discloses an autoxidizable hair dye preparationcapable of coloring or darkening hair when applied thereto and exposedto the atmosphere comprising a mixture of (I) at least one p-phenylenediamine compound, or An acid addition salt thereof, and (II) at leastone 1,2,4-benzenetriol compound, each compound optionally containingnuclearly substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl or halogen. Thepreparation is preferably applied and exposed to the atmosphererepeatedly until the desired degree of darkening or color build-up isattained.

The preparations of this invention may also contain known additives orassistants such as hair grooming agents, for example quaternized vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymers and the like,plasticizers, thickeners, slip and wetting agents such aspolyoxyethylenated fatty (e.g. lauryl) alcohols, stearyldimethylammoniumchloride, silicone copolymer, foam boosters, preservatives, perfumes andthe like.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,486 describes a shampoo composition for lighteningand highlighting hair which comprises

(i) a peroxygen compound; and

(ii) an anionic sulfonate;

said composition having a pH less than 5. There is also described aninvention directed to a method for lightening and highlighting hairwhich comprises shampooing the hair with a lightening and highlightingeffective amount of a composition of the invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,126 discloses a hair conditioning composition forconditioning, lightening, and highlighting hair, which comprises

i) peroxygen compound, and

ii) a conditioning agent,

said composition having a pH of 5 or less.

U.S. Patent Application 2003/0051297 A1 discloses a method forpermanently dyeing hair which comprises subjecting said hair to a numberof treatments, having a set time interval between each two consecutivesuch treatments, wherein each treatment comprises steps a.) and b.)below:

a.) contacting said hair, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 5minutes with a recently made mixture of:

i.) an alkaline composition comprising a dye intermediate in a shampoobase or in a conditioner base; and

ii.) an acidic composition comprising an oxidating compound in a shampoobase or in a conditioner base;

b.) rinsing said mixture from said hair with water;

with the proviso that when a conditioner base is present in a.) i.)above, an independently selected conditioner base is also present in a.)ii.) above; and when a shampoo base is present in a.) i.) above, anindependently selected shampoo base is also present in a.) ii.) above;

and wherein said number of treatments is between about 2 to about 30;and wherein said set time interval between each two consecutivetreatments is between about 8 hours and 30 days, is described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for achieving permanent desired haircolor change through the daily or frequent use of hair carecompositions. The hair care compositions comprise a mixture of part aiand part aii as described just below:

Part ai: dye intermediates in water with gelling agent at alkaline pH;

Part aii: oxidizing compound in water at acidic pH.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages used herein are percentagesby weight of active material based on the weight of the respectivecomposition.

When used herein % refers to weight % as compared to the total weightpercent of the composition that is being discussed. For example, when %is used to discuss the amount of an ingredient that is in part ai, thismeans weight % as compared to the total weight of part ai. When weight %of the mixture of part ai and part aii is mentioned, this means theweight % as compared to the total weight the mixture of part ai and partaii. When the ratio of part ai to part aii is discussed this means theweight to weight ratio. As used herein the term “recently” means withina very short interval of time such as within a few seconds or minutes,such as within 0.01 seconds to 120 seconds, or within 0.1 seconds to 60seconds, or within 0.5 second to within 30 seconds or within 2 secondsto within 20 seconds. As used herein “nearly simultaneously” meanswithin about 0.001 second to about 5 seconds, more preferably about 0.01to about 1 second, more preferably about 0.01 to about 0.5 second. Asused herein “physical proximity” means within about 0.01 to about 1 cm,more preferably about 0.1 to about 0.5 cm. Compositions of the inventionmay be made by means which are known in the art or which are analogousto those which are known in the art. Ingredients which are included incompositions of the invention are known in the art or may be made bymeans which are known in the art.

Part ai can comprise from

a) about 0.1 to about 99.9% of aqueous base with a gelling agent;

b) about 0.1 to about 5% of dye intermediates or oxidation dyestuffs;

c) about 0.1 to about 5% of a coupling compound.

More preferably, part ai can comprise from

a) about 1 to about 99% of an aqueous base with a gelling agent;

b) about 0.1 to about 0.5% of oxidation dyestuffs;

c) about 0.1 to about 1% coupling compound.

Part aii can comprise from:

a) about 1 to about 99% of an aqueous base; and

b) about 1 to about 5% of an oxidizing compound.

Part aii more preferably comprises from:

c) about 2 to about 90% of an aqueous base; and

d) about 2 to about 5% of an oxidizing compound.

Aqueous compositions of the present invention can comprise a mixture ofpart ai and part aii wherein:

Part ai can comprise:

a) about 0.1% to about 99.9% of an aqueous base with gelling agent;

b) about 0.1% to about 1% of an oxidation dyestuff; and

c) a volatile silicone;

Part aii can comprise:

a) about 1 to about 90% of an aqueous base;

b) about 1 to about 5% of an oxidative compound.

One or both of part ai and part aii may further comprise a thickenerwhich is a high molecular weight fatty alcohol wherein said highmolecular weight fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting offor example cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

Part ai and part aii can, for example, be mixed in a ratio of about1.2:0.8 to about 0.8:1.2 respectively, more preferably at about a 1:1ratio.

What follows is a description of the ingredients that can be included inthe compositions of the present invention.

Hair Dyes and Hair Coloring Agents

The part ai compositions of the present invention include one or moreoxidative hair coloring agents or oxidation dyestuffs. These haircoloring agents are present in compositions of the present inventionwhich have an aqueous base. Such oxidative hair-coloring agents are usedin combination with the oxidizing systems of the present invention toformulate permanent hair dye compositions.

Permanent hair dye compositions as defined herein are compositions,which once applied to the hair, are substantially resistant to washout.

Oxidative Dyes

The dye forming intermediates, also called dye intermediates oroxidation dyestuffs, used in oxidative dyes can be aromatic diamines,aminophenols and their derivatives. These dye forming intermediates canbe classified as; primary and secondary intermediates, couplers andmodifiers, and nitro dyes. Primary intermediates are chemical compounds,which by themselves will form a dye upon oxidation. The secondaryintermediates, also known as color modifiers or couplers and are usedwith other intermediates for specific color effects or to stabilize thecolor. Nitro dyes are unique in that they are direct dyes, which do notrequire oxidation to dye the hair.

The oxidation dyestuffs or oxidation dye intermediates, which aresuitable for, use in the compositions and processes herein includearomatic diamines, polyhydric phenols, aminophenols and derivatives ofthese aromatic compounds (e.g., N-substituted derivatives of the amines,and ethers of the phenols). Primary oxidation dye intermediates aregenerally colorless molecules prior to oxidation. The oxidation dyecolor is generated when the primary intermediate is ‘activated’ andsubsequently enjoined with a secondary intermediate (coupling agent),which is also generally colorless, to form a colored, conjugatedmolecule. In general terms, oxidation hair dye precursors orintermediates include those monomeric materials which, on oxidation,form oligomers or polymers having extended conjugated systems ofelectrons in their molecular structure. Because of the new electronicstructure, the resultant oligomers and polymers exhibit a shift in theirelectronic spectra to the visible range and appear colored. For example,oxidation dye precursors capable of forming colored polymers includematerials such as aniline, which has a single functional group andwhich, on oxidation, forms a series of conjugated imines and quinoiddimers, trimers, etc. ranging in color from green to black. Compoundssuch as p-phenylenediamine, which has two functional groups, are capableof oxidative polymerization to yield higher molecular weight coloredmaterials having extended conjugated electron systems. Color modifiers(couplers), such as those detailed hereinafter, are preferably used inconjunction with the oxidation dye precursors herein and are thought tointerpose themselves in the colored polymers during their formation andto cause shifts in the electronic spectra thereof, thereby resulting inslight color changes. A representative list of oxidation dye precursorssuitable for use herein is found in Sagarin, “Cosmetic Science andTechnology”, Interscience, Special Edition, Volume 2, pages 308 to 310which is herein incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that the oxidizing aids of the present inventionare suitable for use (in combination with a source of peroxide asdetailed herein) with all manner of oxidation dye precursors and colormodifiers and that the precursors detailed below are only by way ofexample and are not intended to limit the compositions and processesherein.

The typical aromatic diamines, polyhydric phenols, aminophenols, andderivatives thereof, described above as primary dye precursors can alsohave additional substituents on the aromatic ring, e.g. halogen,aldehyde, carboxylic additional substituents on the amino nitrogen andon the phenolic oxygen, e.g. substituted and unsubstituted alkyl andaryl groups.

The hair coloring compositions of the present invention may, in additionto the essential oxidative hair-coloring agents, optionally includenon-oxidative and other dye materials. Optional non-oxidative and otherdyes suitable for use in the hair coloring compositions and processesaccording to the present invention include semi-permanent, temporary andother dyes. Non-oxidative dyes as defined herein include the so-called‘direct action dyes’, metallic dyes, metal chelate dyes, fiber reactivedyes and other synthetic and natural ‘Chemical and Physical Behaviour ofHuman Hair’ 3rd Edn. by Clarence Robbins (pp 250-259); ‘The Chemistryand Manufacture of Cosmetics’. Volume IV. 2nd Edn. Maison G. De dyes.Various types of non-oxidative dyes are detailed in: ‘Navarre’ atchapter 45 by G. S. Kass (pp 841-920); ‘cosmetics: Science andTechnology’ 2nd Edn, Vol II Balsam Sagarin, Chapter 23 by F. E. Wall (pp279-343); ‘The Science of Hair Care’ edited by C. Zviak, Chapter 7 (pp235-261) and ‘Hair Dyes’, J. C. Johnson, Noyes Data Corp., Park Ridge,U.S.A. (1973), (pp 3-91 and 113-139).

Specific hair dyes which may be included in the compositions of theinvention include m-aminophenol, p-phenylene diamine, p-toluenediamine;p-phenylenediamine; 2-chloro-p-phenylenediamine;N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-2-methoxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine;N,N-bis-(hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine;2-hydroxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine; 2-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine;4,4′-diaminodiphenylamine; 2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine;2-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-p-phenylenediamine;2-propyl-p-phenylenediamine;1,3-N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2-propanol;2-methyl-4-dimethylaminoaniline; p-aminophenol; p-methylaminophenol;3-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-hydroxymethyl-p-aminophenol;2-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-(2-hydroxyethylaminomethyl)-p-aminophenol;2-methoxymethyl-p-aminophenol; and 5-aminosalicylic acid; catechol;pyrogallol; o-aminophenol; 2,4-diaminophenol; 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene;1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene; 2-ethylamino-p-cresol;2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene; 5-methyl-o-aminophenol;6-methyl-o-aminophenol; and 2-amino-5-acetaminophenol;2-methyl-1-naphthol; 1-acetoxy-2-methylnaphthalene;1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; resorcinol; 4-chlororesorcinol; 1-naphthol;1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2-methylresorcinol;1-hydroxy-6-aminonaphthalene-3-sulfonic acid;thymol(2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol);1,5-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene; 2-chlororesorcinol;2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; and 1-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid;m-phenylenediamine; 2-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)ethanol;N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-m-phenylenediamine; 2,6-diaminotoluene;N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-2,4-diaminophenetole;bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)-1,3-propane; 1-hydroxyethyl-2,4-diaminobenzene;2-amino-4 hydroxyethylaminoanisole; aminoethoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene;2,4-diaminophenoxyacetic acid;4,6-bis(hydroxyethoxy)-m-phenylenediamine;2,4-diamino-5-methylphenetole; 2,4-diamino-5-hydroxyethoxytoluene;2,4-dimethoxy 1,3-diaminobenzene; and 2,6-bis(hydroxyethylamino)toluene;m-aminophenol; 2-hydroxy-4-carbamoylmethylaminotoluene;m-carbamoylmethylaminophenol; 6-hydroxybenzomorpholine;2-hydroxy-4-aminotoluene; 2-hydroxy-4-hydroxyethylaminotoluene;4,6-dichloro-m-aminophenol; 2-methyl-m-aminophenol;2-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol; 2-hydroxyethoxy-5-aminophenol;2-chloro-5-trifluoroethylaminophenol; 4-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol;N-cyclopentyl-3-aminophenol;N-hydroxyethyl-4-methoxy-2-methyl-m-aminophenol and5-amino-4-methoxy-2-methylpheno; 2-dimethylamino-5-aminopyridine;2,4,5,6-tetra-aminopyrimidine; 4,5-diamino-1-methylpyrazole;1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone; 6-methoxy-8-aminoquinoline;2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylpyridine; 5-hydroxy-1,4-benzodioxane;3,4-methylenedioxyphenol; 4-hydroxyethylamino-1,2-methylenedioxybenzene;2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethylpyridine; 5-chloro-2,3-dihydroxypyridine;3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine;2-hydroxyethylamino-6-methoxy-3-aminopyridine;3,4-methylenedioxyaniline; 2,6-bis-hydroxyethoxy-3,5-diaminopyridine;4-hydroxyindole; 3-amino-5-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxypyridine;5,6-dihydroxyindole; 7-hydroxyindole; 5-hydroxyindole;2-bromo-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol; 6-hydroxyindole;3-amino-2-methylamino-6-methoxypyridine; 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine;2,6-diaminopyridine; 5-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-1,3-dihydroxypentane;3-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-2-hydroxypropanol and4-hydroxy-2,5,6-triaminopyrimidine, or combinations thereof.

Buffering Agents

The final coloring compositions of the present invention (that is afterpart ai and part aii have been mixed) have a preferred pH in the rangeof from about 7 to about 12, more preferably from about 8 to about 10.

Buffering agents may be present in part ai and part aii compositions ofthe present invention. Coloring compositions of the present inventionmay contain one or more hair swelling agents (HSAs) such as urea, toadjust the pH to the desired level. Several different pH modifiers canbe used to adjust the pH of the final composition or any constituentpart thereof.

Further examples of suitable buffering agents are ammonium hydroxide,urea, ethylamine, dipropylamine, triethylamine and alkanediamines suchas 1,3-diaminopropane, anhydrous alkaline alkanolamines such as, mono ordi-ethanolamine, preferably those which are completely substituted onthe amine group such as dimethylaminoethanol, polyalkylene polyaminessuch as diethylenetriamine or a heterocyclic amine such as morpholine aswell as the hydroxides of alkali metals, such as sodium and potassiumhydroxide, hydroxides of alkali earth metals, such as magnesium andcalcium hydroxide, basic amino acids such as L-alginine, lysine,oxylysine and histidine and alkanolamines such as dimethylaminoethanoland aminoalkylpropanediol and mixtures thereof. Also suitable for useherein are compounds that form HCO₃—by dissociation in water(hereinafter referred to as ‘ion forming compounds’). Examples ofsuitable ion forming compounds are Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃,NH₄HCO₃, CaCO₃ and Ca(HCO₃)₂ and mixtures thereof.

As herein before described certain alkaline buffering agents such asammonium hydroxide and monoethylamine (MEA), urea and the like can alsoact as hair swelling agents (HSA's).

Preferred for use as a buffering agent for the coloring compositionsaccording to the present invention is ammonium hydroxide and/or sodiumhydroxide.

In oxidizing and coloring kits comprising a portion of peroxideoxidizing agent, which may be present in either solid or liquid form,such as hydrogen peroxide, a buffering agent solution is required tostabilize hydrogen peroxide. Since hydrogen peroxide is stable in the pHrange from 2 to 4, it is necessary to use a buffering agent having a pHwithin this range. Dilute acids are suitable hydrogen peroxide bufferingagents. Phosphoric acid is a preferred agent for buffering hydrogenperoxide solutions.

This pH adjustment can be effected by using well known acidifying agentsin the field of treating keratinous fibers, and in particular humanhair, such as inorganic and organic acids such as hydrochloric acid,tartaric acid, citric acid, and carboxylic or sulphonic acids such asascorbic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, sulphuric acid, formic acid,ammonium sulphate and sodium dihydrogenphosphate/phosphoric acid,disodium hydrogen phosphate/phosphoric acid, potassiumchloride/hydrochloric acid, potassium dihydrogen phthalate/hydrochloricacid, sodium citrate/hydrochloric acid, potassium dihydrogencitrate/hydrochloric acid, potassium dihydrogencitrate/citric acid,sodium citrate/citric acid, sodium tartarate/tartaric acid, sodiumlactate/lactic acid, sodium acetate/acetic acid, disodiumhydrogenphosphate/citric acid and sodium chloride/glycine/hydrochloricacid and mixtures thereof.

Solvents

Water is the preferred principal diluent or solvent for the compositionsaccording to the present invention. As such, the compositions accordingto the present invention may include one or more solvents as additionaldiluent materials. Generally, the solvent is selected to be misciblewith water and innocuous to the skin. Solvents suitable for use hereininclude C₁-C₂₀ mono- or polyhydric alcohols and their ethers, glycerine,with monohydric and dihydric alcohols and their ethers preferred. Inthese compounds, alcoholic residues containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms arepreferred. Thus, a particularly preferred group includes ethanol,isopropanol, n-propanol, butanol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycolmonoethyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

These solvents may be present in part ai and part aii of the invention.

Thickeners of Gelling Agents

Thickeners may be included in part ai and part aii of the invention.Long chain fatty alcohols having from about 11 to about 18 carbon atomsin the long fatty chain can be thickener constituents of compositions ofthis invention. These alcohols can be used alone, or in admixture witheach other. When included in the compositions, the alcohol is preferablypresent at from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of the composition,and more preferably at from about 2 to about 5 weight percent.

Lauryl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, andthe like, and mixtures thereof are contemplated herein. In addition,mixtures of natural or synthetic fatty alcohols having fatty chainlengths of from about 11 to about 18 carbons are also useful. Severalsuch mixtures are available commercially, and are exemplified by thematerial containing a mixture of synthetic alcohols with 12 to 15carbons in the alkyl chain sold under the trademark NEODOL 25 by ShellChemical Company, and the material containing a mixture of syntheticalcohols with chain lengths of 12 to 16 carbons sold under the trademarkALFOL 1216 Alcohol by Conoco Chemicals.

Thickening agents suitable for use in the compositions herein may alsobe selected from oleic acid, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, sodiumchloride, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, synthetic thickeners suchas Carbopol, Aculyn and Acrosyl and mixtures thereof. Preferredthickeners for use herein are Aculyn 22 (RTM), steareth-20 methacrylatecopolymer; Aculyn 44 (RTM) polyurethane resin and Acusol 830 (RTM),acrylates copolymer that are available from Rohm and Haas, Philadelphia,Pa., USA. Additional thickening agents suitable for use herein includesodium alginate or gum arabic, or cellulose derivatives, such as methylcellulose or the sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose or acrylicpolymers.

Fatty alcohols of the above discussed carbon chain lengths which areethoxylated to contain an average of one or two moles of ethylene oxideper mole of fatty alcohol can be used in place of the fatty alcoholsthemselves. Examples of such useful ethoxylated fatty acids includeethylene glycol cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether, and thelike; the exemplary compounds having CTFA Dictionary names of Ceteth-1and Steareth-2, respectively.

Volatile Silicones

Volatile silicones may also be employed in the compositions of theinvention. The volatile silicone oil is often described as a volatilepolyorganosiloxane, and is a liquid material having a measurable vapourpressure at ambient conditions (about 20 to 25° C.). Typically thevapour pressure of volatile silicones lies in the range of from 1 or 10Pa to 2 kPa at 25° C. Volatile polyorganosiloxanes can be linear orcyclic or mixtures thereof. Preferred cyclic siloxanes includepolydimethylsiloxanes and particularly those containing from 3 to 9silicon atoms and preferably not more than 7 silicon atoms and mostpreferably from 4 to 6 silicon atoms, otherwise often referred to ascyclomethicones. Preferred linear siloxanes includepolydimethylsiloxanes containing from 3 to 9 silicon atoms. The volatilesiloxanes normally by themselves exhibit viscosities of below 1×10-5m2/sec (10 centistokes), and particularly above 1×10-7 m 2/sec (0.1centistokes), the linear siloxanes normally exhibiting a viscosity ofbelow 5×10-6 m2/sec (5 centistokes). The volatile silicones can alsocomprise branched linear or cyclic siloxanes such as the aforementionedlinear or cyclic siloxanes substituted by one or more pendant—O—Si(CH3)3 groups. Examples of commercially available silicone oilsinclude oils having grade designations 344, 345 244, 245 and 246, (fromDow Corning Corporation) Silicone 7207 and Silicone 7158 (from UnionCarbide Corporation) and SF1202 (from General Electric [US]).

The non-volatile oil can comprise non-volatile silicone oils, whichinclude polyalkyl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes andpolyethersiloxane copolymers. These can suitably be selected fromdimethicone and dimethicone copolyols. Commercially availablenon-volatile silicone oils include Dow Corning 556 and Dow Corning 200series having a viscosity of at least 50 centistokes.

Non-Volatile Silcones

Non-volatile silicones may be included in compositions of the invention.Nonvolatile silicone oils include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyalkylarylsiloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers. The essentiallynon-volatile polyalkyl siloxanes useful herein include, for example,polydimethyl siloxanes with viscosities of from about 5 to about 25million centistokes at 25° C. Among the preferred non-volatile siliconesuseful in the present compositions are the polydimethyl siloxanes havingviscosities from about 10 to about 400 centistokes at 25° C.

Optional Ingredients

The compositions of the present invention can comprise a wide range ofoptional ingredients. The ingredients can fall into the followingfunctional classes: anticaking agents, antioxidants, binders, biologicaladditives, bulking agents, chelating agents, chemical additives,colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, denaturants, drugastringents, emulsifiers, film formers, fragrance components,humectants, opacifying agents, plasticizers, preservatives, propellants,reducing agents, solvents, foam boosters, hydrotropes, solubilizingagents, suspending agents (nonsurfactant), sunscreen agents, ultravioletlight absorbers, and viscosity increasing agents (aqueous andnonaqueous). Examples of other functional classes of materials usefulherein that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art includesolubilizing agents, sequestrants, and the like.

Other optional ingredients include organic acids. A non-exclusive listof examples of organic acids which can be used as the proton donatingagent are adipic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, malicacid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, glutaric acid, benzoic acid, malonicacid, salicylic acid, gluconic acid, polyacrylic acid, their salts, andmixtures thereof. Non-exclusive lists of examples of mineral acid foruse herein are hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulfuric and mixtures thereof.

It has been found by experimentation that hair care products used on adaily or frequent basis can achieve durable desired hair color. As notedabove, the daily hair care product consists of two parts.

Part ai: dye intermediates in water with a gelling agent at alkaline pH

Part aii: an oxidizing compound such as hydrogen peroxide in water atacidic pH.

Part ai is mixed with part aii and applied to hair. The reasonconventional hair coloring products come in two packages is because themixture of the coloring component and the oxidizing component isunstable and the two components must be kept apart until just beforeuse. Similarly part ai and part aii of the present invention must bekept apart until just before use. By varying the concentration of theactives and the treatment time, the amount of color on hair could bevaried while minimizing hair damage. To make the product more convenientand fool proof, part ai and aii can be packaged in dual dispensingsystems where both parts are mixed out side of the package whendispensed which is then applied to the wet hair as a hair colorant.Depending upon the amount of color desired, the treatment time could bevaried from one or two minutes or longer.

Such treatments would add color to hair gradually without damage due tolower contact time. Each subsequent treatment would add color until thedesired shade is obtained. Depending upon the concentration of theactives and contact time, a desired shade may be reached in about six toeight treatments. It has been found that since any one treatment doesnot exceed the threshold of irreversible damage, the total damageresulting from multiple treatments is lower than the damage from asingle conventional treatment. Such a process gives the user controlover the amount of color deposited on her hair, and also the option todiscontinue further applications if the color delivered is not to herliking. She also has the option to switch to another color shadeimmediately without having to wait the six to eight weeks that isrecommended for conventional treatments. With conventional hair colortreatment, it is not recommended to perm and color hair simultaneouslydue to extensive damage. However, since the method of the inventioncolors the hair with minimum damage, perming can be done in the sametime frame with this progressive coloring treatment.

The following examples, which were made by means that are conventionalin the art, are shown as illustrations only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention:

FORMULA #1 % Dark Brown Color: Part ai Carbopol 940 1.0 Disodium EDTA0.10 DC-1870 HV 1.80 Kathon CG 1.5% 0.08 DMDM Hydantoin 55% 0.10Fragrance 0.20 Sodium metabisulfite 0.10 m-Aminophenol 0.03 Rodol GrayHED 0.13 p-Phenylenediamine 0.45 o-Aminophenol 0.05 Resorcinol 0.25Sodium hydroxide 50% 0.40 DI Water to 100.00 PH = 8 to 9 Dark BrownColor: Part aii Polymer JR-30M 0.5 Disodium EDTA 0.10 DC-1870 HV 1.80Hydrogen Peroxide (35%) 10.00 DMDM Hydantoin 55% 0.10 Fragrance 0.20Phosphoric acid, 85% 0.09 DI Water to 100.00 PH = 3.0

Take equal amounts of part ai and part aii (formula#1), mix and apply tothe wet hair tresses, keep on hair tresses for two minutes, and rinsewell. Repeat the above procedure for subsequent treatments. Collect thehair tress after 2, 4 and 6 treatments. Measure the change in colordelta E using McBeth Coloreye. Similarly take equal amounts of part aiand aii (formula#1), mix and apply to the wet hair tresses, keep on hairtresses for 30 mins, and rinse well. Measure the change in color delta Eusing McBeth ColorEye.

Difference of color as compared against untreated hair, ΔE is:(ΔL²+Δa²+Δb²)

Conventional Formula #2

L'Oreal Dark Brown Permanent Hair Color

Color the hair tresses using L'Oreal dark brown permanent hair color.Follow the instruction sheet. Measure the change in color delta E usingMcBeth coloreye.

The changes in delta E values are summarized in the table below. One cansee from the results that the change in color after one 30-min.treatment with L'Oreal Dark Brown is very similar to one 30 mins and six2-min. treatment using a composition of the invention. The goodcorrelation was observed with number of treatments and change in thecolor of the hair. It takes about six treatments to achieve a single 30minutes treatment of permanent conventional color.

L'Oreal's Preference: Invention: Dark Brown: Dark Brown Color Delta EDelta E 1X-30 mins. 4.28 4.35 2X-2 mins. 1.78 4X-2 mins. 3.55 6X-2 mins.4.12

Treatment of hair with compositions of the invention as described hereingives said hair good attributes such as lower wet combing force, higherbreak stress, lower amounts of cysteic acid (which are an indicator ofhair damage), good hair color change, less color fading, less damage tohair, and more intense color to hair as described just below. Alsodescribed below is a method for applying compositions of the inventionat set time intervals so as to avoid root outgrowth and less colorfading

Combing Index—

The combing experiment has been carried out to evaluate the extent ofdamage. Wet combing evaluation technique has been used to correlatedamage. The combing index was measured to evaluate the extent of damage.Higher index (more than one) indicates lower damage.

Combing Index=Combing force of untreated hair/combing force of treatedwith composition of the invention.

The above tresses were evaluated via Instron to measure combing force.

Treatments Combing force gm force Untreated hair 27.15 Treated withcolor gel 16.25

Combing Index=Combing force of untreated hair/combing force of treatedwith composition of the invention.

=27.15/16.25

=1.67

Wet Combing Force:

After conventional hair color treatment, it is hard to comb the hair.Harder combing indicates more hair damage. The combing force wasmeasured using Instron.

The combing force with new conditioner composition of the invention isin the range of 5 to 55 gm force, preferably 5 to 25 and more preferably5 to 18 gm force.

Break Stress:

After conventional hair color treatment, the hair becomes weak and easyto break. The weak hair is again a sign of damage. The strength of thehair was measured using Instron.

The break stress with new conditioner composition of the invention is inthe range of 0.005 to 0.03 gm force/micron, preferably 0.005 to 0.025and more preferably 0.005 to 0.018 gm force/micron.

Cysteic Acid:

Much of the hair damage associated with conventional hair colortreatment comes from the oxidation of cystine residues to thecorresponding cysteic acid, with a consequent decrease in the tensilestrength of hair as these cross-linkages are destroyed. A good measureof oxidative damage is thus the amount of cysteic acid formed in hair.Infrared transmission spectroscopy has been used to determine cysteicacid content in hair. The ratio of absorption at 1040 cm-1/absorption at1240 cm-1 would indicate the extent of damage. A lower ratio indicatesless hair damage.

The ratio of 1040/1240 with new color compositions of the invention isin the range of 0.01 to 1.5, preferably 0.01 to 1.0, and more preferably0.01 to 0.5.

Hair damage done by hair coloring compositions can be calculatedaccording to the following mathematical formulas:

% Damage=Chemical damage×Physical damage

 % Damage=amount of cysteic acid×combing force gm×breaking stress forcegm/micron 2×100 $\begin{matrix}{\begin{matrix}{{\% \quad {Damage}\quad {using}\quad {L'}{{Oreal}'}s\quad {conventional}}\quad} \\{\quad {{preference}\quad {permanent}\quad {hair}\quad {color}\quad {for}\quad {example}}\quad}\end{matrix} = \quad {0.75 \times 48 \times 0.02 \times 100}} \\{= \quad {72\quad \% \quad {damage}}}\end{matrix}$

% Damage using new hair color composition of the invention:

0.25×20×0.015×100=7.5% damage

The above numbers indicate that the hair color compositions of theinvention damage hair much less than conventional permanent hair color.

Color Change/Color Control:

The conventional permanent hair color system gives the color changedelta E of 5 to 65 on blonde hair, and color change up to delta E of 1to 8 on brown hair with one treatment. In conventional hair coloringtreatments, consumers have little or no control of color, control of hueand control of lightening. By contrast, by using the gradual stepwisemethods of the invention, the consumer has a great deal of control overhair color.

With the composition and method of the invention, there can be candelivered delta E of 0.1 to 65 on blonde hair and delta E of 0.1 to 8 onbrown hair.

Root Outgrowth:

Conventional permanent hair color systems are used once in 4 to 6 weeks.During this time due to the new hair growth, roots look totallydifferent than rest of the hair. On average the hair grow 1 cm/month or0.3 mm/day.

With the present compositions and methods of the invention, used as aconditioner one would add color on each application of saidcompositions. Laboratory evaluation indicates that one would add 10% ofthe color change per conditioning treatment.

The amount of color added is determined by the following mathematicalformulas.

The length of the new hair=0.3 mm×no. of days.%  color  added  to  new  hair  (10  days)=  No  of  days×  %  color  added  per  day  =  10 × 10  %  =  100  %  color

Due to the constant addition of the color 10% per day, one will not beable to see root outgrowth.

Color Fading:

The conventional permanent hair color system is used once in 4 to 6weeks. During this time color fades with washing, and outside exposuredue to the weathering effect. The amount of color fading will dependupon washing and outside exposure. Let us assume that person washhis/her hair 4 times a week and stay outdoors for 2.0 hrs a day. Thepercentage of the color loss can be calculated using following equation.

Laboratory evaluation indicates that one would lose 1% of the color perwash and would loose about 0.75% of the color/hr of outside exposure.

% Loss of color=no. of washing×% color loss/wash+no of hrs. ofexposure×% color loss/hr $\begin{matrix}{{\% \quad {Loss}\quad {of}\quad {color}\quad {per}\quad {month}} = \quad {{20 \times 1.0} + {40\quad {hrs} \times 0.75}}} \\{= \quad {20 + 30}} \\{= \quad {50\quad \%}}\end{matrix}$

 % Loss of color per week=12.5%

So, on average consumer would lose 50% of the color. That is why mostconsumers want to recolor their hair every 4 to 6 weeks.

With the present composition and methods, one would add color on eachapplication of composition, according to the schedule set forth by thefollowing mathematical formulas.

% Color addition/week=no of conditioning treatment week×amount coloradded/treatment

Laboratory evaluation indicates that one would add 6% more color perconditioning treatment.

% Color addition/week=3×10%=30%

With a composition of the invention, one would lose 12.5% of the colorbut one would add 30% of the color. Due to this, one would not see anyfading of the color and color would stay fresh everyday.

More Intense Color:

The typical permanent color composition, upon application goes throughan oxidation mechanism. Each of the dye intermediates can producepigments through oxidation and polymerization. According to LeChatelier's principle, the state of a chemical reaction is a dynamicstate in which the chemical reaction is occurring in both directions.The rate of reaction depends upon the ratio of the rate of forwardreaction to the rate of backward reaction. The higher the ratio thefaster is the reaction. The factors affecting the rate of reactions areas follows:

1. Reactants

2. Products

3. Pressure

4. Temperature

A main difference in the reaction using a conventional permanent colorsystem is the temperature. With the conventional system, the reactiontakes place at room temperature, at about 70-75 F.F., while with newsystem of the invention, since it is used in the shower, the reactiontakes place at higher temperatures of about 100 to 110 F. According tole Chatelier's principle, the effect of temperature is very significantto the final rate of reaction.

Under identical conditions, laboratory evaluation indicates that onewould increase 5% intensity of the color with 10F.-temperaturedifference.

Therefore, according to the mathematical formula just below, 15% morecolor is added using the compositions and methods of the invention asopposed to conventional hair coloring methods. $\begin{matrix}{{{{\% \quad {Additional}\quad {Color}} = {{delta}\quad T \times \% \quad {change}\quad {in}\quad {color}\quad {per}\quad {one}\quad {degree}}}\quad {\quad \quad}{F\quad {difference}}}\quad} \\{= {\left( {{100\quad F} - {70F}} \right) \times 0.5}} \\{= {{30 \times 0.5} = {15\quad \% \quad {more}\quad {color}\quad {due}\quad {to}\quad {new}\quad {method}}}}\end{matrix}$

If the contact time is kept at about two minutes or below for eachtreatment with compositions of the invention then there is noappreciable hair damage no matter how many color application treatmentsaccording to the invention are performed.

At the same time that hair damage is avoided by the methods of theinvention, the consumer's hair is gradually being brought to the desiredshade and color. This gradual change of color has two advantages: first,since the color is changed gradually, the consumer can stop the processif she does not like the color her hair is turning to. Second, someconsumers do not want an abrupt change in color because they may feelembarrassed in public after having made such an abrupt change to thecolor of their hair. Moreover, the method and compositions of thepresent invention can be used in the shower, and on a frequent or dailybasis, because the compositions and methods of the present invention, bycontrast with conventional color compositions, do not employ poisonouslevels of chemicals and also because compositions methods of the presentinvention involve hair application steps that are up to about twominutes in length. By contrast conventional hair coloring compositionsrequire approximately 30 minutes' time for each application, an amountof time, which is clearly not suitable for use in the shower.

The methods of the present invention are not as messy as conventionalpermanent hair coloring methods. The methods of the present invention donot use chemical compositions that are as smelly and noxious as thoseused in conventional permanent hair-coloring methods. Because themethods of the invention can be carried out in the shower, they do notinvolve the dripping and the mess associated with conventional permanenthair coloring, which is usually done over the bathroom sink. The methodsof the present invention do not use chemical compositions that can stainfixtures in the bathroom or that will stain the scalp and the face.

A dual package which can be employed in the products and kits of thepresent invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,588 to Markey etal which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Kit Containing an Instruction Sheet

The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the hair coloringmethod of the invention. The kit comprises part ai, part aii and a posttreatment solution, each in a separate container or in a dual container,as described herein. The kit also contains written instructions thatexplain how the compositions of the invention are used.

The consumer admixes the components of the kit according to writteninstructions, to obtain the aqueous reaction mixture. The mixing may beconducted in a separate vessel external to the kit, or may take place ina container of the kit adapted to provide sufficient head space formixing. The components that are mixed are part ai and part aii. Part aiand part aii may also be admixed on the hair of the user. Essentiallyupon mixing, reaction of part ai and part aii will commence. Aftertreatment for a desired time the mixture of part ai and part aii may beremoved, preferably with water or a conventional shampoo or aconventional conditioning shampoo.

As noted above, dye intermediate composition and peroxygen compositionare mixed together, and the resulting mixture may be applied to the hairand allowed to remain for a set time, usually about 1 to about 2minutes; or about 1 hour or to about 30 minutes; or about 40 minutes.

Desired change in hair color by the method of the invention is describedby the mathematical formulas described above. Monitoring desired changein hair color can be done in a number of ways. In the first instance,the consumer can compare her hair color with desired hair color or thehair color of a sample tress. Hair dyeing by the method of the inventioncan be repeated until her hair color matches the desired hair color. Itis noted that the compositions used in the methods of the invention havelower contact times and thus repeated use of these compositions will notcause hair damage. An unexpected discovery of the present invention isthat for damage to hair to occur, contact time in each treatment must goabove the threshold value of about two minutes. Thus, the consumer canlighten or color the hair through repeated applications wherein theduration of each color application is about two minutes or less. Thefollowing two advantages are thereby achieved: first, there is astepwise approach to the desired color; and second, a minimum of hairdamage is done.

By the method of the invention, durable desired hair color, with aminimum of hair damage is achieved.

In following the method of the invention, the consumer can compare thecolor of her hair with the desired hair color, which can be printed onthe package of the product. The consumer can also vary the number ofdays of application of the product, and the consumer can also vary theamount of time the mixture of part ai and part aii is left in the hairon each application. The number of applications can vary from about 7 toabout 30 applications. The time of each application can vary from about1 to about two minutes.

The method of the invention occurs over the course of days. Therefore,the final color of the consumer's hair may be affected by the amount ofexposure to the sun of the hair during the course of treatment.

Desired hair color can also be reached by comparing hair after eachtreatment until it matches hair tresses taken from the consumer during aprior treatment.

Desired hair color can also be reached by testing the hair after eachtreatment with instruments, which measure the color of the hair. Whenthe measurements of hair color of the treated hair reach a desiredlevel, the treatment hair reach a desired level, the treatment can bestopped.

Indeed, reaching the desired hair color can be achieved by the use ofany matching or comparison method commonly employed in the art.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention ashereinbefore set forth can be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for permanently dyeing hair whichcomprises subjecting said hair to a number of treatments, having a settime interval between each two consecutive such treatments, wherein eachtreatment comprises: a.) contacting said hair for a period of about 5seconds to about 3 minutes with a recently made mixture of: part ai: dyeintermediates in water with a gelling agent at alkaline pH, and partaii: oxidizing compound in water at acidic pH; b.) rinsing said mixturefrom said hair with water; and wherein said number of treatments with anidentically formulated mixture is at least 6; and wherein said set timeinterval between each two consecutive treatments is between about 8hours and 30 days.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dyeintermediate is selected from the group consisting of: m-aminophenol,p-phenylene diamine, p-toluenediamine; 2-chloro-p-phenylenediamine;N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-2-methoxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine;N,N-bis-(hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine;2-hydroxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine; 2-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine;4,4′-diaminodiphenylamine; 2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine;2-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-p-phenylenediamine;2-propyl-p-phenylenediamine;1,3-N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2-propanol;2-methyl-4-dimethylaminoaniline; p-aminophenol; p-methylaminophenol;3-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-hydroxymethyl-p-aminophenol;2-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-(2-hydroxyethylaminomethyl)-p-aminophenol;2-methoxymethyl-p-aminophenol; 5-aminosalicylic acid; catechol;pyrogallol; o-aminophenol; 2,4-diaminophenol; 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene;1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene; 2-ethylamino-p-cresol;2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene; 5-methyl-o-aminophenol;6-methyl-o-aminophenol; 2-amino-5-acetaminophenol; 2-methyl-1-naphthol;1-acetoxy-2-methylnaphthalene; 1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; resorcinol;4-chlororesorcinol; 1-naphthol; 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene;2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2-methylresorcinol;1-hydroxy-6-aminonaphthalene-3-sulfonic acid; thymol(2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol);1,5-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene; 2-chlororesorcinol;2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; 1-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid;m-phenylenediamine; 2-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)ethanol;N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-m-phenylenediamine; 2,6-diaminotoluene;N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-2,4-diaminophenetole;bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)-1,3-propane; 1-hydroxyethyl-2,4-diaminobenzene;2-amino-4 hydroxyethylaminoanisole; aminoethoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene;2,4-diaminophenoxyacetic acid;4,6-bis(hydroxyethoxy)-m-phenylenediamine;2,4-diamino-5-methylphenetole; 2,4-diamino-5-hydroxyethoxytoluene;2,4-dimethoxy 1,3-diaminobenzene; 2,6-bis(hydroxyethylamino)toluene;2-hydroxy-4-carbamoylmethylaminotoluene; m-carbamoylmethylaminophenol;6-hydroxybenzomorpholine; 2-hydroxy-4-aminotoluene;2-hydroxy-4-hydroxyethylaminotoluene; 4,6-dichloro-m-aminophenol;2-methyl-m-aminophenol; 2-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol;2-hydroxyethoxy-5-aminophenol; 2-chloro-5-trifluoroethylaminophenol;4-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol; N-cyclopentyl-3-aminophenol;N-hydroxyethyl-4-methoxy-2-methyl-m-aminophenol;5-amino-4-methoxy-2-methylpheno; 2-dimethylamino-5-aminopyridine;2,4,5,6-tetra-aminopyrimidine; 4,5-diamino-1-methylpyrazole;1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone; 6-methoxy-8-aminoquinoline;2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylpyridine; 5-hydroxy-1,4-benzodioxane;3,4-methylenedioxyphenol; 4-hydroxyethylamino-1,2-methylenedioxybenzene;2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethylpyridine; 5-chloro-2,3-dihydroxypyridine;3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine;2-hydroxyethylamino-6-methoxy-3-aminopyridine;3,4-methylenedioxyaniline; 2,6-bis-hydroxyethoxy-3,5-diaminopyridine;4-hydroxyindole; 3-amino-5-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxypyridine;5,6-dihydroxyindole; 7-hydroxyindole; 5-hydroxyindole;2-bromo-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol; 6-hydroxyindole;3-amino-2-methylamino-6-methoxypyridine; 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine;2,6-diaminopyridine; 5-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-1,3-dihydroxypentane;3-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-2-hydroxypropanol;4-hydroxy-2,5,6-triaminopyrimidine, or combinations thereof.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein part ai, prior to mixture with part aii,has a pH of about 8 to about
 10. 4. A method according to claim 1,wherein part aii, prior to mixture with part ai, has a pH of about 3 toabout
 5. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein part ai comprises: A.)from about 0.05% to about 1.0% of a dye intermediate; B.) from about0.1% to about 0.5% of a coupler; and C.) from about 1% to about 99% ofan aqueous base.
 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein part aiicomprises: A.) from about 1% to about 99% of an aqueous base; B.) fromabout 0.5% to about 2.5% of a volatile silicone; and C.) from about 0.1%to about 5% of an oxidative compound.
 7. A method according to claim 1wherein said period for contacting said hair is between about 1 minuteand 3 minutes.
 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said set timeinterval between each two consecutive such treatments is between about 1day and about 3 days.
 9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hairhas combing index in the range of 1.1 to 4.0.
 10. A method according toclaim 1 wherein said hair has combing force in the range of 5 to 55 gmforce.
 11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hair has breakstress in the range of 0.05 to 0.3 gm force/micron.
 12. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein said composition delivers delta E of 0.1 to65 on blonde hair and delta E of 0.1 to 8 on brown hair.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein said hair has a ratio IR absorption at 1040cm-1/1240 cm-1 in the range of 0.01 to 1.5.
 14. A method according toclaim 1 wherein said oxidative compound is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, melamine peroxide,sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate.
 15. A method according toclaim 1 wherein part ai comprises from about 35% to about 98.9% water.16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the mixture of part ai andpart aii has a neat viscosity of from about 500 cps to about 60,000 cpsat 26.7 degrees C., as measured by a Brookfield RVTDCP with a spindleCP-41 at 1 RPM for 3 minutes.
 17. A method for maintaining hair colorthrough the use of a permanent hair dye which comprises subjecting saidhair to successive treatments, having a set time interval between eachtwo consecutive such treatments, wherein each treatment comprises: a.)contacting said hair for a period of about 5 seconds to about 3 minuteswith a recently made mixture of: part ai: dye intermediates in wateralkaline pH; part aii: oxidizing compound in water at acidic pH; b.)rinsing said mixture from said hair with water; and wherein said numberof treatments with an identically formulated mixture is between 6 andabout 30; said set time interval between each two consecutive treatmentsis between about 8 hours and 30 days.
 18. A method according to claim 1wherein said dye intermediate in part ai is present at about 0.1% toabout 1%.
 19. A method according to claim 1 wherein said oxidizingcompound in part aii is present at about 2% to about 5%.
 20. A dispenserfor dispensing simultaneously or nearly simultaneously part ai and partaii according to claim 1, which comprises: A.) a means for holding partai and part aii in physically separate locations; B.) a means forprotecting part ai and part aii from air prior to dispensing; C.) ameans for dispensing part ai and part aii in equal amounts and inphysical proximity to each other.
 21. A method according to claim 1wherein part ai and part aii are mixed by hand.
 22. A method accordingto claim 1 which comprises rinsing said mixture of part ai and part aiifrom said hair with water in a shower.